Monday, September 12, 2011

Today is day three of the WORLDWIDE Paint Out. My painting partner for today is Ann Breckon. We enjoyed the sounds of songbirds and water falling gently over the rocks in the little stream while we painting our watercolor skeches. The weather (sunny 86 degrees with a nice cool breeze) was perfect!As usual, I visited with the guests in the garden as much as I painted so my sketch of this little waterfall and water lilies still needs some finishing touches.

Today also marks the 10th anniversary of the attack on America on 9-11-2001. As we listened to the airplanes taking off and landing at the nearby SeaTac Airport, we were reminded of the changes that day made in our own lives.

We are so blessed to live in this amazing country and have to freedoms that the brave men and women in our armed services fight and give their lives for us to enjoy.

THANK YOU!

Words not quite adequite for all the represent, but sometimes simply the best way to let them know they are appreciated. We will never forget the sacrifices made on 9-11.

Watch for the scans.....I'll post them in the next few days. Till then...keep those brushes wet! SUSIE

For day two of the paint out weekend I chose the Soos Creek Botanical Garden in the Auburn/Kent area. It was a solo painting day so I looked for a spot close to home. I have to admit the day didn't have as much time for painting as I would have liked but I did get in some quick sketches and took several photos. I've never visited this garden before today so it was an adventure! This is an established private garden that only recently was opened to the public. This lovely garden is more of a strolling garden. While quick sketches from the paths are possible, painting for several hours in a single spot could prove to be challengeing.

I need to scan my sketches so I can post them.

SUSIE

The WORLDWIDE PAINTOUT is happening simultaneously in international locations and I am proud to be a part of this 9th WORLDWIDE group event hosted by International Plein Air Painters.﻿﻿International Plein Air Painters (IPAP) is a blanket organization created for the sole purpose of advancing the execution and enjoyment of plein air painting without the restrictions and limitations of borders or regions. IPAP's members are the quiet activists in the ongoing environmental struggle. More about IPAP:They call attention to the threatened urban scene and the vanishing farmland for history. IPAP members share inspiration and encouragement both on the Internet and at "paint outs".They encourage other artists to get out and do it, to paint with other artists and share ideas.

You can join or show your support for IPAP or learn more about the group and see some of the many events happening posted on the website www.i-p-a-p.com

Friday, Sept 9, 2011 -- Day one of a three day weekend of Plein Air Painting

Woodland Park Rose Garden, Seattle, WA

My painting partner joining me for the day was plein air artist Mike Mallory of Everett, WA

Susie Short and Mike Mallory - Charter members of IPAP

The weather was warm and sunny and the location was the perfect setting for painting on location. Mike selected the sunny lily pond as his subject, while I found a shady spot with a great view of the quaint gazebo. It's always fun to share our joy for painting with the people who stop by to see what we are doing. It goes without saying, compliments and encouragement is always welcome, but for most of us who paint on location it's rewarding to be able to freely express our impressions of an inspiring spot and use the talents we are blessed with. And having a nice painting pal to share the day with doubles the pleasure!

Thanks for joining me Mike! It was fun and we both ended up with good paintings to boot!

Even though I'm a little late with my post, I want to report on the fun day at the 5th annual Ice Cream Social and Plant Sale at the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden. This year's Celebrity Guest was Ciscoe Morris, who hosts "Gardening with Ciscoe" on KIRO 97.3 FM radio and KING 5/NWCN television, and is the author of the best-selling garden tome, "Ask Ciscoe", as well as a weekly column in the Seattle Times. As always Ciscoe was very entertaining and loaded with information on plants and gardening.

My donation to the event was to paint a scene from the garden on location (en plein air). I started my demo around 11:00 am and completed the painting in the photo above by 3:00 pm just in time for the silent auction. I enjoyed meeting so many nice people while sharing the art of painting on location in such a beautiful setting.

Wendy Morgan from SeaTac had the winning bid and proudly took my watercolor painting to its new home.

Thanks to Laura Sweany and the nice folks at Highline Seatac Botanical Garden for inviting me to participate in this fun event! I look forward to doing it again!

About Me

I love to paint! It's been a passion since my teens and along my journey I've been blessed to have studied with some of the best watercolorists of our time. Now, its my turn to share my love and knowlege with others. Visit my website to see more of my watercolor tips, mini lessons and to order latest DVDs and videos. Susie Short's Watercolor Learning Center